Roadmap to Creating a Health Care Work-Based Learning Program

September 14, 2015

In 2014-15, with support from the James Irvine Foundation, CHA partnered with hospitals, educators, funders and other experts to identify strategies for increasing the number of high-quality, health care work-based learning opportunities for California high school students. Health care as a whole is one of the fastest growing industries in the nation. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, 17 of the 30 fastest growing occupations are in the health sector. To meet long-term demand for health workers, a variety of strategies must be employed throughout the workforce continuum. Work-based learning, the result of carefully planned and executed partnerships between health employers and educational entities, is one strategy that can increase the supply of health professionals serving California patients.

The roadmap is the culmination of a year-long process hosted by CHA and the James Irvine Foundation to identify solutions for increasing quality, work-based learning opportunities in the health sector; improving coordination across partnerships and regions; and identifying ways to recognize employers for these investments. Both a report and a resource, the roadmap provides guidance and tools for employers and educators, and makes recommendations that address barriers to help high school students gain valuable, hands-on, real-world experience in health care.